Preview — For the Love of Jazz
by Elke Feuer

For the Love of Jazz

Restoration architect Josie Fagan takes on a project with lawyer and senator’s son, Patrick Pullman. It’s the perfect match. She needs his endorsement to save her business and he wants to restore his ancestral Chicago home. Love wasn’t part of her plan. Neither was being asked to stay at his home, haunted by ghosts, or discovering she has a claim to his home – which she adRestoration architect Josie Fagan takes on a project with lawyer and senator’s son, Patrick Pullman. It’s the perfect match. She needs his endorsement to save her business and he wants to restore his ancestral Chicago home. Love wasn’t part of her plan. Neither was being asked to stay at his home, haunted by ghosts, or discovering she has a claim to his home – which she adores. When she finds out his family may be responsible for her aunt’s disappearance fifty years ago, it's a race to unearth the truth before she loses not only her business and her heart, but her life.

Patrick can’t deny his attraction to Josie and is willing to take a chance on love since his broken engagement a year earlier. Things become complicated when he learns of their family connection and her claim to the home he loves. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, or that his family is involved in her aunt’s disappearance, so insists they work together. But, when he starts seeing his uncle’s ghost, and threats are made on her life, he’s forced to confront the possibility his family could be responsible.

The ghosts of their aunt and uncle forge a connection through them, but is what they feel love or just the ghosts living out their unfinished lives?...more

Community Reviews

Josie is counting on this job to stay afloat. This contract will prove to everyone she can do it on her own. When Patrick gives her the job, his demands are not normal but she agrees to do the job anyway. He is very attractive and the feeling is mutual. The last thing on Josie's mind is love. But the ghost of her dead aunt Lola and husband William are pushing them together or are they.. One thing is for sure Josie and Patrick are attracted to each other. When Josie learns of the mysterious disapJosie is counting on this job to stay afloat. This contract will prove to everyone she can do it on her own. When Patrick gives her the job, his demands are not normal but she agrees to do the job anyway. He is very attractive and the feeling is mutual. The last thing on Josie's mind is love. But the ghost of her dead aunt Lola and husband William are pushing them together or are they.. One thing is for sure Josie and Patrick are attracted to each other. When Josie learns of the mysterious disappearance of her aunt so many years ago. And all leads point to Patricks family as the cause of of it. Taking the next step will prove to be more difficult. Elke Feuer created a wonderful love story and a who done it all in one amazing novel. ...more

The first thing that intrigued me about this book was the idea of a woman being forced to stay in a house she is restoring only to find out she’ll be sharing it with ghosts and an owner with a troubling family past. Sometimes you have to wait awhile to get to the paranormal parts, but these ghosts were definitely an active part of the story and didn’t take long to make an appearance. Not to worry, there is no chain rattling or wailing. You discover early on a woman was killed fifty years before The first thing that intrigued me about this book was the idea of a woman being forced to stay in a house she is restoring only to find out she’ll be sharing it with ghosts and an owner with a troubling family past. Sometimes you have to wait awhile to get to the paranormal parts, but these ghosts were definitely an active part of the story and didn’t take long to make an appearance. Not to worry, there is no chain rattling or wailing. You discover early on a woman was killed fifty years before and wants Josie to find out what happened. That woman is going to push Josie deeper and deeper into a past that many of the people still alive feel should be left alone. This is in addition to a male ghost haunting the house that had some sort of relationship with the dead female. Then there is Patrick, the handsome home owner, who doesn’t make things any easier as he has his own stake in the matter. If she wants to keep him from hampering her investigation, she’s eventually going to have to convince him this is one murder mystery that has to be solved.

I had some difficulty feeling the chemistry between Josie and Patrick for more than half of the book. A lot of this is because the two were so heavily influenced by the ghosts (who had been in love while they were alive and pushed those feelings on the main characters) that it was difficult to separate the “live” couple from the “dead” one. Eventually when Josie and Patrick got out and away from the haunted places in the story I could finally see how they naturally acted together. They definitely sizzled. I finally felt it then and really began to root for the two to be together. Considering everything at stake, they had a lot working against them. I was thankful the author didn’t rush to get to the first sex scene and it came much later in the story when the timing felt more appropriate. There might have been an instant attraction between Josie and Patrick, but the love part came slowly as personalities clashed and more than one misunderstanding occurred. Both characters were stubborn and prideful. Most of the time this strengthened their personalities, but there was a time or two where it did seem a bit much.

There were two main running plots aside from the romance. First you had the restoration of the house. Now, this is a home that needs A LOT of work–all while two characters fighting an attraction to each other live in it. I absolutely loved the detail and description the author used to show the developments of the house as the story progressed. Maybe I’ve watched HGTV a few too many times, but remodeling is fun to see and the story didn’t skimp on this (though the reader isn’t too inundated with it either). The other plot was figuring out what happened with the ghosts since they obviously feel the need to haunt Josie. You know from the prologue that someone killed the female, but the question is who. There are multiple candidates and no easy answers. I didn’t figure it out until maybe a chapter or so before the reveal. It’s definitely not an easy guess with so many people who had a motive to kill the woman. Expect lots of twists and turns to keep you flipping the pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed “For the Love of Jazz”. It had been a while since I’d read a good ghost romance and this one worked well. If you like a good romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal, I’d definitely recommend it. This might be Elke Feuer’s first novel, but I suspect she has many more good ones to come.

Note- I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review....more

Thank you to Elke Feuer for a copy of the book and some sweet book swag.

For the Love of Jazz is about restoration architect Josie Fagan, who hopes to expand her business in Chicago by remodeling a house for senator's son Patrick Pullman. As soon as she gets to Chicago, she feels a connection to Patrick, the city, a nearby jazz club, and his house, which was left to him by his late uncle Will. Josie soon discovers that the connections are caused by something sinister - her aunt, whom she never heThank you to Elke Feuer for a copy of the book and some sweet book swag.

For the Love of Jazz is about restoration architect Josie Fagan, who hopes to expand her business in Chicago by remodeling a house for senator's son Patrick Pullman. As soon as she gets to Chicago, she feels a connection to Patrick, the city, a nearby jazz club, and his house, which was left to him by his late uncle Will. Josie soon discovers that the connections are caused by something sinister - her aunt, whom she never heard of growing up, had married Will but disappeared, ultimately leading him and Josie's mother to a deep depression. Josie and Patrick set out to discover what happened.

I was drawn to FTLOJ immediately, because I'm a sucker for mysteries and the supernatural, but to be honest, on both counts, the story ended up a lite version of the genres - you know, like lite beer, with less...poignancy, I guess would be the word? With another in depth round of editing, it could end up a nice, cute little niche story, but as it is, every other sentence has a typo/grammatical error in it, most rather simple to fix.

Also, while I do praise the plot for keeping me guessing as to the identity of the killer, there was a general lack of build up/suspense throughout, so scenes that could have been very impressive ended up underwhelming. For example, (view spoiler)[when Josie first sees Will's ghost, it's supposed to be a big bang of a moment, since Josie's never seen a ghost before. Instead, Josie's thinking about how sexy Patrick is, when she suddenly she sees the ghost and screams. (hide spoiler)] I also would have liked a better explanation of Josie's 'connections', because we're just told she has them all the time, nothing more. It was the same for many different details. (view spoiler)[Abruptly, Josie would realize she was being possessed or seeing a vision, etc. (hide spoiler)] In addition, certain plot-points were a little TOO convenient - like Patrick demanding Josie live with him while she works. I couldn't see that occurring realistically. It felt contrived, even if I knew it had to happen for the romance to develop.

HOWEVER, for the most part, I found the story cute and liked the characters. A lot of their development occurred via exposition, but they were fun. I loved Josie and her best friend, (view spoiler)[particularly for that twist with the "love triangle" (hide spoiler)]. Patrick's parents and lawyer were interesting. We didn't really see much of his brother, but their brotherly ribbing amused me. As for Patrick, I liked him enough, but at the same time, I was disturbed by a lot of the things he did - demanding a woman live alone with him for six months, walking around half-naked, constantly making innuendo-filled comments, and so on. He's a lawyer, but evidently hasn't heard of sexual harassment, especially in a relationship with power-dynamics like his and Josie's (very rich boss/employee). I mean, they were both consenting adults who felt a "connection", but still. I didn't end up hating him or the book, though, so I guess all's well....more

For the Love of Jazz is an intriguing story of mystery and romance with a paranormal twist. With the themes of jazz club music and a historical house restoration as the backdrop to this intricately woven romantic suspense story written in the third person narrative, author Elke Feuer's debut novel takes the reader on a riveting thrill ride that keeps the reader guessing and sitting on the edge of their seats.

With a Chicago setting, the reader is transported between the jazz club era and present For the Love of Jazz is an intriguing story of mystery and romance with a paranormal twist. With the themes of jazz club music and a historical house restoration as the backdrop to this intricately woven romantic suspense story written in the third person narrative, author Elke Feuer's debut novel takes the reader on a riveting thrill ride that keeps the reader guessing and sitting on the edge of their seats.

With a Chicago setting, the reader is transported between the jazz club era and present day as Josie Fagan contracts to restore a historical home for lawyer and Senator's son, Patrick Pullman. Their connection goes beyond the restoration of Patrick's ancestral home, as they soon discover that their families have a shared past, and an intriguing mystery unfolds. While staying at the house during the restoration project, Josie discovers that the house was owned by Patrick's uncle William, who had an interracial marriage with Josie's aunt Lola, a jazz club singer who disappeared fifty years ago. As Josie and Patrick's attraction to each other builds, Josie wonders if the Pullmans had anything to do with her aunt's disappearance, and she's determined to find out the truth.

The storyline flows effortlessly and draws the reader in with its intricate woven mystery, suspense, romance and paranormal activities. With a strong cast of characters who engage the reader with their dialogue and interactions, you can't help but feel like you are drawn into the mystery and steamy romance as Josie and Patrick's story unfolds. I loved the historical-present day alternating timeline; the dramatic and dangerous mystery with exciting paranormal activity; and the development of Josie and Patrick's steamy romantic relationship. The historical aspect of the house restoration and the jazz club era was fascinating, I have always been interested in restoration projects and love jazz music. The story simply kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next as the many clues and twist and turns build up to an exciting conclusion. For the Love of Jazz is an entertaining romantic suspense novel with a paranormal twist, what more could a reader ask for?!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.

I began “For the Love of Jazz” because of the premise of the story involving the restoration of a historical home within Chicago with a story of its own. I was taken with the ambiance crafted by author Elke Feuer since I am a fan of grounded writing by the use of time and place within a storyline. The author masterfully layered characters in the creation of Josie Fagan and Patrick Pullman, a restoration architect and lawyer, respectively. Patrick comes from old money and is the son of a senator I began “For the Love of Jazz” because of the premise of the story involving the restoration of a historical home within Chicago with a story of its own. I was taken with the ambiance crafted by author Elke Feuer since I am a fan of grounded writing by the use of time and place within a storyline. The author masterfully layered characters in the creation of Josie Fagan and Patrick Pullman, a restoration architect and lawyer, respectively. Patrick comes from old money and is the son of a senator along with all the social connections and upbringing issues expected. At times Patrick acknowledges the requirements of wealth and status with regret at times or as a weight to bear in his self-reflection. I enjoyed the use of the characters’ careers and ambition to create further tension in the story as well as their mutual attraction. Josie is just starting out on her own in a business more than eager, she must find a client and fast. She is passionate and well-versed in the renovation of buildings.

The author powers up the conflict, rocketing the story forward as the Josie agrees (not too happily at first) to live on the premises during the renovation. This becomes the lynch pin in her obtaining the contract offered by Patrick using his legal maneuvering which he is famous for as it turns out. She is on a tight schedule to bring the Pullman project in on time and since Patrick is her only client, she is able to focus her attention on this restoration and him. Patrick in turn becomes more enamored by his architect live-in, equally wanting more of her time and attention as the story progresses. We are given the family history of these two people, further layering their characters and within the story there are also some mysterious elements or devices employed regarding the mutual family history of Josie’s aunt and Patrick’s uncle as well as suspense in threats delivered against the heroine. Throughout the story, Josie and Patrick are more and more attracted to each other creating a sensual undercurrent that is woven within the story, appearing and reappearing in lieu of upstaging the various story elements. All in all, For the Love of Jazz was an engaging read with an intriguing plot in the never knowing how the story would end, and had me captivated at a fast-paced clip to the very end.

This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation....more

Back in the 1950s in Chicago, Lola was a jazz singer and William was a rich guy. They met, fell in love and got married. The problem? Lola was black and William was white. Lola disappeared, never to be seen again. On the first page, we know that Lola has been shot by someone she knows (so I'm not revealing any spoilers).

Fifty years later, Patrick has hired Josie to restore his Uncle William's house, who has recently died. She has to have the house finished in six months. To accomplish this, theyBack in the 1950s in Chicago, Lola was a jazz singer and William was a rich guy. They met, fell in love and got married. The problem? Lola was black and William was white. Lola disappeared, never to be seen again. On the first page, we know that Lola has been shot by someone she knows (so I'm not revealing any spoilers).

Fifty years later, Patrick has hired Josie to restore his Uncle William's house, who has recently died. She has to have the house finished in six months. To accomplish this, they both live in the house to ensure things stay on track. But there is an electric connection between them right away ... will living in the same house be a good idea?

Then Josie discovers her mother's sister was Lola (up to this point, she didn't know her mother even had a sister). William's brother (and Patrick's father) is a senator and a rich white guy who was against the marriage ... did he have anything to do with Lola's disappearance to protect his career? Joe owns the club where Lola used to sing and was in love with her at one time ... did his wife, Pearl, get rid of Lola out of jealousy. William's friend, Gary, who is now the lawyer for the estate, had met Lola first and had fallen in love with her ... but did he really step aside when he saw that Lola and William were in love? With so many people with reasons to get rid of Lola, Josie sets out to discover what happened to her aunt. When Patrick realizes the connection, he helps Josie find out what's going on. Plus we have the spirits of Lola and William helping them out.

This book was part romance, part mystery and part paranormal ... I'm not usually into paranormal stories but enjoyed it here since it was key to the storyline.

I liked the writing style and got into the book more once Josie discovered that Lola was her aunt and the mystery began. There were so many possibilities of who it could have been ... we don't find out until the end (interesting twist and I was okay with who "dunnit"). This book will appeal to readers who like mysteries with some romance.

Josie Fagan decides to step out on her own and start her own restoration business. Her first job is for Patrick Pullman, lawyer and senator’s son. She is hoping for an endorsement to get her business off the ground. Part of the job is staying at Patrick’s house. A house haunted by Patrick’s Uncle Will and Josie’s Aunt Lola, who were married and lost each other tragically decades earlier. A house that she finds out she has a true claim to.

The minute Patrick meets Josie the attraction is there. AfJosie Fagan decides to step out on her own and start her own restoration business. Her first job is for Patrick Pullman, lawyer and senator’s son. She is hoping for an endorsement to get her business off the ground. Part of the job is staying at Patrick’s house. A house haunted by Patrick’s Uncle Will and Josie’s Aunt Lola, who were married and lost each other tragically decades earlier. A house that she finds out she has a true claim to.

The minute Patrick meets Josie the attraction is there. After breaking an engagement a year later, he is willing to put his heart on the line. The complications start when he learns of Uncle Will and Aunt Lola’s connection. By working together will they find the answers they both need? Neither Josie or Patrick can accept a relationship until the questions get answered. They need to know the truth to what happen to Lola and if Patrick’s family is responsible for her death.

For the Love of Jazz is a romance mystery that is wonderful. It has mystery, love, sex, and suspense with some ghosts mixed in. What more can a reader ask for?

I love Josie. Her spunk and self-assurance made her a strong woman business owner. She knew what she needed to do to be successful and was getting it done. She was also very family strong. When she found out she had an aunt who was killed she never doubted that she had to find out what happen and who was responsible. Even if that meant putting her own life on the line. Josie’s response to learning of what could be her inheritance made her truly upstanding. I do not know many women who would turn that kind of wealth.

Elke Feuer wrote a story that had a great flowing storyline. Characters you couldn’t help but love. A plot that pulls you in at the beginning and won’t let you go until the very last page. I high recommend For the Love of Jazz to everyone. ...more

I was very privileged to get to know Elke when we were both in a Gotham Writers’ Workshop class together, which is where got to read a small part of what was an early draft of “For the Love of Jazz!” Even after the class was over, I often thought of this story; there was something about the characters and story that haunted me and I wanted to know more!

When I received an early copy of “For the Love of Jazz” I was so excited and couldn’t wait to start it. When I did, it was late at night, so I thI was very privileged to get to know Elke when we were both in a Gotham Writers’ Workshop class together, which is where got to read a small part of what was an early draft of “For the Love of Jazz!” Even after the class was over, I often thought of this story; there was something about the characters and story that haunted me and I wanted to know more!

When I received an early copy of “For the Love of Jazz” I was so excited and couldn’t wait to start it. When I did, it was late at night, so I thought I’d only read a chapter or two, but I was wrong — I read more than that. I was hooked instantly and with each page I turned I wanted to read more. Elke Feuer is a very talented and gifted author and it’s hard to believe that it’s her first novel. Her writing draws the readers in and makes it seem that you’re literally watching the story unfold and come to life before your eyes. ”For the Love of Jazz” was a quick read that was filled with twists and turns, along with the constant thought of what the real truth was. I really liked all the characters, but Josie was definitely my favorite. I liked how she was wasn’t really afraid of anything and took chances, maybe even on Patrick…(sorry, no spoilers!). I also liked how there wasn’t too much detailed talk about the renovations she was doing to Patrick’s house. For someone who doesn’t now a lot about design, I was comforted in the fact that I didn’t need to have much background in design, which I found was a major plus.

It was my first romantic suspense and it won’t be my last! If you’re looking for an intriguing romantic suspense, “For the Love of Jazz” by Elke Feuer is the book for you!

I found this book much more intriguing than a common romance story. Elke Feuer uses the background of William and Lola's love to introduce Patrick and Josie, forging a connection between the couples which appears to be strengthened by the supernatural bond.In 'For the Love of Jazz' Elke Feuer really is the master of absorbing her reader into a beautifully formed plot and them amazing us with the unforeseen!The relationship between Patrick and Josie is filled with sexual tension, but the author lI found this book much more intriguing than a common romance story. Elke Feuer uses the background of William and Lola's love to introduce Patrick and Josie, forging a connection between the couples which appears to be strengthened by the supernatural bond.In 'For the Love of Jazz' Elke Feuer really is the master of absorbing her reader into a beautifully formed plot and them amazing us with the unforeseen!The relationship between Patrick and Josie is filled with sexual tension, but the author leaves the reader anticipating any romance as the two continue to banter and speak in coded innuendo. Patrick and Josie use Lola and William's relationship as a reason for them not to be together, and I enjoyed the times in which both characters were possessed by the spirits of their dead relativeAside from these two Elke Feuer builds an array of peripheral characters who are all integral to the plot and who she describes animatedly. I was particularly fond of Joe, in the jazz club, but also very wary of Patrick's parents and Gary the lawyer!The story follows Patrick and Josie's investigation and Elke Feuer is clever, but subtle, in the way in which she involves the supernatural in the story and I certainly never had the ending worked out!I would definitely recommend this book, for fans of romance, supernatural and anyone who just wants a little fun!...more

I had my concerns about the novel initially, as I am not a fan of jazz. However, although For the Love of Jazz has the theme of jazz music running through it, it doesn't dominate. Rather the jazz club and how it links the past and the present and the lives of the protagonist with her relatives is key. From the start the novel has almost a ghost story quality. The house restoration as a theme works well and Unusual paranormal romance - no vampires!

I was given an Advance Review Copy by the author.

I had my concerns about the novel initially, as I am not a fan of jazz. However, although For the Love of Jazz has the theme of jazz music running through it, it doesn't dominate. Rather the jazz club and how it links the past and the present and the lives of the protagonist with her relatives is key. From the start the novel has almost a ghost story quality. The house restoration as a theme works well and is not something I had come across before. Apart from the seriously good-looking, sexy male lead, Patrick and the unmistakeable chemistry between the protagonist, Josie and him, the dark tale which weaves its way around Josie and her aunt, who mysteriously disappeared 50 years ago makes the novel worth a read. A twist in the tale at the end, as well as the way Patrick's family is connected to Josie's and how Josie tries to get to the bottom of it all, whilst trying to disentangle herself (sometimes) from her attraction to Patrick, ensure there's plenty of action. Trying to figure out who could have been the person to make Josie's aunt disappear all those years ago is the crux of the whole story, but a little bit of obstacle-strewn romance along the way never hurt anyone!NB: the version I read was an unedited proof. It is assumed that any errors have since been corrected ...more

Spirits, the misty gin joints of jazz, and a romance predestined through time. For the Love of Jazz has all these and more.

This story is layered with wonderful bits of history, flavors of jazz singers, wealth, and restoration architecture. A wonderful backdrop as Josie Fagan and Patrick Pullman find each other and struggle to keep hold of their mutual attraction and reach for the ultimate prize of love. Both carry baggage and both fight the attraction as well as obstacles that might separate theSpirits, the misty gin joints of jazz, and a romance predestined through time. For the Love of Jazz has all these and more.

This story is layered with wonderful bits of history, flavors of jazz singers, wealth, and restoration architecture. A wonderful backdrop as Josie Fagan and Patrick Pullman find each other and struggle to keep hold of their mutual attraction and reach for the ultimate prize of love. Both carry baggage and both fight the attraction as well as obstacles that might separate them.

Josie is nicely layered, a woman driven to establish her own business as she seeks answers to the death of her aunt. Patrick holds the purse strings to Josie’s dreams and, unwittingly, the answers to the past. The characters and plot are complex but nicely woven.

I rooted for Josie and Patrick and I was pleased they didn’t disappoint.

So final check:

Paranormal: ghostly spirits and fun historical backdrop – yes!

Suspense: Unexpected twists yes!

Sympathetic characters: yes

Sweet romance: yes

I received a copy of this book to review and also purchased a copy from Amazon....more

For the Love of Jazz is a very nice read, blending past lives with present through the soulful ambiance of a smoke-filled jazz joint and a worn, but stately old home. The principle characters are strong and well portrayed, and the mystery in the story line intrigued me from the start. The relationship between the principals was hot and intoxicating, however, the author didn’t rely on that alone, but instead wove a rich tapestry that made the story full and complete. I could ‘see myself’ in JosieFor the Love of Jazz is a very nice read, blending past lives with present through the soulful ambiance of a smoke-filled jazz joint and a worn, but stately old home. The principle characters are strong and well portrayed, and the mystery in the story line intrigued me from the start. The relationship between the principals was hot and intoxicating, however, the author didn’t rely on that alone, but instead wove a rich tapestry that made the story full and complete. I could ‘see myself’ in Josie, agreeing with her likes and loves, her passions and interests, although none of those things are actually a part of my life. It is the writing that put me there and made me care – a special quality in a writer. As to the mystery, it was well-conceived and kept me guessing, incorrectly as it turned out – to the very end. Well done. This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation....more

For the Love of Jazz is one of the most action packed love stories of all time! You will find yourself caught up in this mysterious journey of two star crossed lovers. Elke Feuer knows how to create a page turner and will leave you begging for more. This love story has you rooting for these two ill fated lovers to connect as they battle an evil force that is out to destroy what fate has in store for them. Josie and William had never imagined that the spirit world would help them find what they hFor the Love of Jazz is one of the most action packed love stories of all time! You will find yourself caught up in this mysterious journey of two star crossed lovers. Elke Feuer knows how to create a page turner and will leave you begging for more. This love story has you rooting for these two ill fated lovers to connect as they battle an evil force that is out to destroy what fate has in store for them. Josie and William had never imagined that the spirit world would help them find what they had never expected. This one is going all the way to the top!...more

Romance readers will adore For The Love of Jazz. In particular, I thought the descriptions of the music in Josie's point of view were beautifully written. I loved the whodunnit plot and as for the twist at the end, I did not see that coming! A lovely story, it manages to be both sweet and spicy. Two thumbs up!

At first I thought the mixture of paranormal, mystery and romance would be too much, especially with all the intrigues and games the different characters got up to, but the author handled everything very well. It kept me changing my mind about who-done-it until the end although I somehow missed how they decided that one of the suspects was no longer a suspect. Also a little more closure, like where the body was buried, would have been good too.